2021 Lexus NX Hybrid vs 2021 Hyundai Palisade

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade Calligraphy distinguished itself with a unique grille pattern, revised lighting, and additional trim, making it stand out visually. It featured 20-inch wheels and a luxurious interior with a simulated suede headliner. The Limited trim adopted a similar exterior look to the SEL with option packages, but all models gained standard LED headlights. The Calligraphy trim gave the Palisade a more upscale appearance, drawing attention with its unconventional styling. Inside, the Calligraphy’s cabin, with its premium Nappa leather and suede headliner, offered a luxurious feel, rivaling other midsize SUVs.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid, positioned between the UX and RX, maintained its sharp-edged, streamlined design. Despite its sporty F Sport styling, the NX Hybrid’s platform was based on the older Toyota RAV4, making it less advanced. The F Sport Black Line model featured a larger mesh grille, dark-finish wheels, and Grecian Water paint, adding a vibrant touch. The interior design, once radical, had become familiar, with a stepped center console and aluminum pedals. However, the material quality felt more mainstream than luxury, with plastic switchgear and trim.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade was equipped with a 3.8-liter V6 engine producing 291 horsepower, paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It offered front-wheel drive, with an optional all-wheel-drive system. Drivers could select from Eco, Comfort, Smart, and Sport modes, with AWD models adding Snow mode and a Lock function. The Palisade AWD achieved an EPA-estimated 21 mpg combined, and our test vehicle averaged 21.1 mpg. The Palisade’s firmer suspension provided excellent body-motion control, making it enjoyable to drive, though not particularly sporty. It offered a 5,000-pound towing capacity with a new seven-pin trailer connector.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid combined a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine with an electric motor, delivering 194 horsepower and standard AWD. Despite its sporty appearance, the NX Hybrid was more focused on fuel efficiency, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.1 seconds. The sport-tuned suspension improved handling, maintaining a comfortable ride. However, the steering felt numb, and the drivetrain struggled with quick acceleration. The NX Hybrid offered Normal, Eco, and Sport modes, but they made little difference in performance.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in interior space, offering eight-way power-adjustable front seats, heated and ventilated seats, and a heated steering wheel. The second-row captain’s chairs provided ample legroom and easy access to the third row. The Palisade offered 18 cubic feet of cargo space behind the third row, expanding to 86.4 cubic feet with seats folded. It featured a hands-free Smart Liftgate for convenience.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid had limited front and rear headroom, with cramped rear seats. The front seats offered excellent support with 10-way power adjustment. The sloping roofline and thick pillars reduced rear visibility, but exterior mirrors helped. The NX Hybrid provided 16.8 cubic feet of cargo space, expanding to 53.7 cubic feet with seats folded. A power-folding second row and power liftgate were available but not standard.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade offered two infotainment systems: an 8-inch and a 10.25-inch touchscreen. Both allowed dual smartphone pairing, but only the 8-inch system offered wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. The Calligraphy trim included a 12-speaker Harman Kardon audio system, navigation, and Blue Link services. Additional features included wireless charging, a Driver Talk intercom, and a head-up display.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid’s infotainment system was a weak point, with an 8-inch display and an optional 10.3-inch screen. It included Bluetooth, Apple CarPlay, Android Auto, and a WiFi hotspot. The Remote Touch Interface touchpad was difficult to use while driving. The base audio system was tinny, with a 14-speaker Mark Levinson system available on higher trims.

The 2021 Hyundai Palisade excelled in safety, with adaptive cruise control, forward-collision warning, and lane-keeping systems. It featured a rear occupant alert system and a Blind View Monitor. Highway Drive Assist provided advanced adaptive cruise control and lane-centering assistance. The Palisade earned top safety ratings from the IIHS and NHTSA.

The 2021 Lexus NX Hybrid received a “Top Safety Pick+” from the IIHS and a five-star overall rating from the NHTSA. It included the Lexus Safety System+ 2.0 with forward-collision warning, adaptive cruise control, and lane-departure warning. Blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert were standard. However, it lacked a 360-degree camera system.